Bill > S01684

This bill requires retail establishments, including those that sell or serve food and other businesses offering goods or services, to accept United States currency (cash) as a valid form of payment and prohibits them from discriminating against cash buyers by forcing them to use credit cards, debit cards, or electronic payment methods. The bill allows for some exceptions to this requirement, with the superintendent of financial services empowered to create regulations and grant exemptions based on various criteria such as the type of establishment, the nature of goods or services, currency denomination, or transaction amount. Establishments found in violation of this requirement would be subject to a fine of up to $500. The law would go into effect 180 days after being enacted, and during this time, the financial services superintendent can develop implementing regulations. Notably, the law does not apply to transactions like phone, mail, online, or other remote purchases where the buyer is not physically present in the business. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals without access to electronic payment methods are not excluded from making purchases and to protect cash as a legitimate form of payment.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1684